Dublin Airport has today revealed the name of its new official hare mascot: Dubby.
Dubby was the runaway winner of a public naming competition, which has been running on the airport's social media channels over the past week.
The public were asked to decide between three possible names - Dubby, Collin and Harry - which were shortlisted from over 500 suggestions put forward by the airport's social media followers.
More than 10,000 votes were received, with Dubby claiming 49%, followed by Harry (36%) and Collin (15%).
Dublin Airport opted for a hare as its official mascot in recognition of the many Irish hares that can be found hopping around the airport campus.
Speaking at his official unveiling at Dublin Airport on Tuesday, where he was welcomed by daa CEO Kenny Jacobs, Dubby said: "The welcome I've received since I arrived at Dublin Airport has been deadly. Fair play to everyone. I was in the terminal the other day and I think some people were wondering "who's this chancer?!", but they were all sound. One oul fella thought I was a rabbit, but I told him "away outta that!". It's gas here and I can't wait to get out about and have the craic with passengers. So, c'mere, if you see me around, don't be shy, get over for a picture or a high five."
Kenny Jacobs, CEO of daa, said: "As a Cork-man I've mixed feelings about the name, but this is a top, top drawer signing for Dublin Airport and we're delighted to add Dubby to the squad. His ears are a bit bigger than I was expecting, but the important thing is that he's here and he's already settled in really well and is giving it 110%. The support he's had from the passengers so far has been first class. As long as he focuses on the fundamentals - high-fiving the kids in the terminals, posing for selfies, getting out to local schools and clubs in the community - he's going to do very well here. The hard work starts now."
